Abstract: A key switch is provided with a depressable part having a contact set in its underside and held apart from a stationary contact located below it. The depressable part has a key switch surface located to one side of the center on the upper surface of the depressable part. The key switch is also provided with a rotation fulcrum in the center of the underside of the depressable part. The movable contact is located to one side of the center on the underside of the depressable part to allow the depressable part to turn on the fulcrum so that the movable and stationary contacts can touch each other.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus is disclosed for making or breaking a plurality of electrical connections substantially simultaneously. The apparatus includes a planar substrate, a first set of electrical terminals arrayed on the substrate in a pattern providing mating pairs of terminals displaced by a distance, an actuator having a contact effecting surface and carrying thereon a plurality of moveable bridging contacts which are in substantial registration each with a respective mating pair of terminals. The actuator response to application of an actuating force toward the substrate to establish bridging contact by the bridging contact between each of the mating pairs of terminals substantially simultaneously. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of such switching apparati are actuated by a common actuating shaft.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to make assessments in sensory evaluation comprises two wafers which are separated by spacers and are provided on their opposing faces with conductive patterns. Upon use, the instrument is connected to a computer which activates one conductor at a time on one side of the instrument and senses if one or more of the conductors on the other side of the instrument are activated, i.e. if a person is exerting a pressure, for example by a finger, at some point or other on the instrument. The special design of the conductive patterns makes it possible to convert the analog position of the pressure into a digital signal which is fed directly into the computer.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch device has a flat carrier having first and second swi contacts and a switch button arrangement for actuation of the first and second switch contacts. In order that the first and second switch contacts are switched in succession, the switch contacts to be actuated by a switch knob of the switch button arrangement are placed next to one another on the flat carrier. An insert having first and second switching surface parts corresponding to the first and second switch contacts respectively, is placed between the switch knob and the first and second switch contact. Upon initial actuation of the switch knob, the insert closes the first switch contact. Upon continued actuation of the switch knob, the insert will close the second switch contact.

Abstract: A keyboard matrix switch (10) is provided which features a membrane layer (22) having dimples (30) therein at each key switch site to provide a proper tactile feel upon actuation. Each dimple (30) is provided with a series of ribs (34, 36, 38, FIG. 3) formed in the membrane layer (22) and radiating outwardly from the dimple to preclude overtravel and locking of the dimple in an inverted position (as in FIG. 1).

Abstract: An expandable chassis includes a four sided frame with a central opening to receive a plate or "shield" which is allowed to move within the frame between two predetermined positions. Protuberances on the shield contact the frame and limit its inward movement while outward movement is limited by a spring clip on the shield that snaps into an aperture in the frame. Tabs on the frame support integrally formed spring fingers on the shield which tend to force the shield outward. A membrane switch contact assembly and a speaker are respectively attached to the inside and outside surfaces of the shield. By compressing the shield partially into the frame, the chassis assembly slides into a molded plastic housing. A rubber key actuator pad on the outside of the housing has a plurality of keys each having a protrusion or "actuator" that extends partially into an actuator hole in the housing. When the key is depressed, the actuator depresses and activates one of the switches in the membrane switch contact assembly.

Abstract: A pointing and control device for moving a cursor on a visual display and for controlling various operations, being operated by hand and finger movements, including both fine movement control and gross movement control; the assembly includes a graspable outer cover and an inner puck with a finger cup movably supported by a series of elements, a laser beam movement detector consisting of high and low frequency scanners, drivers, lower and upper photodetectors and signal amplifiers and processors. The entire assembly may be either fixed on a keyboard or operated as an independent accessory.

Abstract: A shielded electrical switch includes a pressure-actuated switch comprised of three layers, the top and bottom layer of which are electrically-conductive and the intermediate layer of which is a spacer layer containing apertures at the switch points. A sealing membrane is coupled over the layered switch, the membrane having thickened push-button supports overlying the switch points. The thickened push-button supports are spaced from the membrane via frustro-conical mounting portions on the membrane. This frustro-conical mounting gives the buttons the sufficient "feel" or resistance when depressed, and also insures that the switch-actuating portions of the membrane will make contact with the upper surface of the switch to insure that the switch points of the upper and lower layers of the switch will make contact via the intermediate layer. The membrane and the sealed, layered switch are, in turn, enclosed in an armored, sealed push-button enclosure.

Abstract: A key operated switch for keyboards having an improved layer type construction comprising a key carrier and key return spring supporting printed circuit conductors and contacts so arranged as to facilitate fully automatic production of keyboards. The simple formation of a leaf spring, a key guide and the key stem comprising the switch enables these parts also to be assembled by machine, making the manufacture of a keyboard simple and inexpensive.

Abstract: An electronic instrument comprises a printed circuit substrate on which electrical parts are actually mounted, a frame placed on the front side of the printed circuit substrate and having openings at least at positions corresponding to the electrical parts, a front sheet disposed at a position opposed to the printed circuit substrate with the frame interposed therebetween and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, a back sheet disposed on the back side of the printed circuit substrate and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, and an adhesive agent applied to the adhesion margins of the front sheet and the back sheet to cause the printed circuit substrate and the frame to be sandwiched between the front sheet and the back sheet.

Abstract: Keyboard for the control box (11) of an electric apparatus comprising a sheet (1) which forms a plurality of contactors (2) each projecting from the sheet through a blister (3) which is elastically deformable and which acts as a spring, the contactors (2) being provided with bearing keys (8) and contact pads (5) intended to come into contact with a printed circuit (12) arranged under the sheet (1) of contactors when a pressure is exerted on the keys. This keyboard is remarkable in that at least certain of the contactors (2) are provided with stubs (4) arranged opposite the contact pads (5) and which are intended to be force fitted into corresponding housings provided in the bearing keys (8).

Abstract: A rocker switch assembly includes a rocker pivoted about a central axis, an actuator responsive to the rocker and pivoting about either end, and conductive rubber push-button switches selectively operated by the actuator with minimum lateral deformation. The actuator is translucent to serve as a light conductor to carry light from an adjacent lamp to the rocker which bears translucent legends. The actuators of adjacent pairs of switch mechanisms are lit by a single lamp between them.

Abstract: A key operated switch for keyboards having a layer type construction of key support carrying printed circuits arranged to facilitate fully automatic production of keyboards. Further, the simple formation of a leaf spring, a key guide and the key stem comprising the switch enables these parts also to be assembled by machine. The simple and hence inexpensive manufacture of a keyboard utilizing the key operated switches causes no loss of operating quality.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard for e.g. a low cost electronic tone generator of the type affixed to the binding of a songbook is disclosed. The keyboard includes a base carrying a set of interdigital upwardly facing printed circuit contacts for each key. A membrane overlay is vacuum formed of a thin plastic sheet to define a horizontal row of playing keys, each key being formed as a plateau area, with a vertical depression spring rib separating each key. Each key includes an elastomeric foam pad affixed to its underside area which carries a conductive lower surface aligned with with the interdigital traces of the key. The conductive surface bridges the traces to complete an electrical circuit when the membrane is depressed downwardly from its top surface.

Abstract: A switch control device for controlling a plurality of switches for actuating apparatuses of a motor vehicle, respectively, including at least one stop mode switch allowed to be operated only in a stop state of the motor vehicle and at least one running mode switch allowed to be operated in a running state of the motor vehicle and provided separately from the stop mode switch such that input operation of the stop mode switch and the running mode switch is regulated on the basis of whether the motor vehicle is in the stop state or in the running state.

Abstract: A unital casing structure of a portable electronic appliance such as a handheld or desktop calculator, comprising at least two panel sections having a straight boundary line therebetween and integrally coupled together across the boundary line whereby the panel sections are foldable with respect to each other about an axis extending along the boundary line between the panel sections so that the two panel sections are coupled together in a face-to-face relationship. The casing structure may further comprise an intermediate panel section bridging the two panel sections, the intermediate panel section being angularly movable with respect to the two panel sections about two axes parallel with and spaced apart across the boundary line between the panel section and being foldable with respect to each of the two panel sections about each of the two axes.

Abstract: A snap dome switch keyboard assembly including a printed circuit board having dual contact switch sites with piggy-back snap domes, button actuators for each of the piggy-back snap domes, and an elastomeric member arranged between the domes and the button actuators serving as a force transmission member materially reducing the contact bounce time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data entry keyboard which has a multitude of depressible keys which are selectively depressed for the entry of predetermined data. In the keyboard, an insulating member is sandwiched between a first substrate having stationary electrodes and a flexible second substrate having movable electrodes. The stationary and movable electrodes face one another through apertures formed in the insulating member. Upper and lower marginal surface portions of the insulating member, including the respective peripheral edges of the apertures, are kept parallel to the first and second substrates corresponding thereto by a plurality of protuberances on the substrates so that voids with a predetermined width are left between the marginal surface portions and the individual substrates. The movable electrodes of the second substrate are electrically fixed, in the form of a cantilever each, to the extreme end portions of branch conductor strips which diverge from a main conductor strip at right angles thereto.

Abstract: A keyboard is assembled by providing first and second electrically conductive strips of layers and first and second electrically insulative strips of layers, forming the layers into a desired configuration and laminating them together with the respective insulative layers intemediate and on top of the conductive layers. Switching areas are delineated on at least one of the conductive layers and are joined to each other and are provided with output leads by conductive paths configured from the conductive layer. The interposed insulative layer is formed with a plurality of apertures located so that an aperture can be aligned with each switching area. After the layers are laminated together they are blanked out from the strips and holes are punched out through the four layers to sever selected conductive paths and form a preselected circuit pattern.

Abstract: A transparent touch-sensitive panel comprising a transparent touch-sensitive switch consisting of an upper plate, a lower plate, and an insulating spacer. A transparent board has an outer peripheral portion to which the lower plate is bonded via a transparent adhesive layer. A visual display such as a liquid-crystal display is mounted on the underside of the board. An uneven surface is formed on one of the upper surface of the board and the lower surface of the lower plate which are disposed opposite to each other and through which the light emanating from the visual display is transmitted.

Abstract: Membrane for membrane switches and composing elements thereof, characterized thereby that it mainly consists of a profiled top layer (2) made of a resilient material and of an underlying supporting layer (1) that is provided with an opening (3), the top layer (2) having a recess fitting in the opening (3) and consisting of side-walls (5) and a part suspended therebetween having the shape of a spherical segment constituting the membrane (6) proper.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard is comprised of first and second dielectric layers having circuit patterns including a plurality of first and second electrical contact pads disposed on opposing surfaces thereof. The layers are maintained together such that corresponding first and second electrical contact pads overlie one another forming switch sites. A spacer is disposed in a discontinuous pattern around the first contact pads, the spacer normally maintaining corresponding first and second contact pads spaced from each other, while permitting electrical engagement therebetween upon application of an actuation force to one of the layers at a switch site.

Abstract: A control or front panel assembly which is suitable for inclusion in associated apparatus. The panel assembly includes a switching arrangement with individual switch actuators easily detachable and removable during final assembly prior to mounting an escutcheon plate to the front panel face. In this manner, a single piece part need only be inventoried, modifiable during final assembly, to effect the desired model variations for the associated apparatus.

Abstract: The switch comprises a hollow, generally rectangular casing, a generally rectangular pushbutton slidable rearwardly in such casing, and a terminal supporting block closing the rear end of such casing. All of such components are made of moldable resinous plastic materials. The block carries forwardly projecting contact points which connect with external electrical terminals. The pushbutton carries a cup-shaped contactor, slidably and rotatably mounted on a retaining pin which is pressed into a hollow post projecting rearwardly from the pushbutton. A compression coil spring is mounted around the pin and the post, between the contactor and the pushbutton. The contactor is fitted with an axial eyelet on which the contactor is freely rotatable. The contactor is movable into wiping engagement with the contact points, when the pushbutton is pushed rearwardly against the biasing force of a coil spring, compressed between the pushbutton and the terminal supporting block.

Abstract: A switch control device for controlling a plurality of switches for actuating apparatuses of a motor vehicle, respectively, including at least one stop mode switch allowed to be operated only in a stop state of the motor vehicle and at least one running mode switch allowed to be operated in a running state of the motor vehicle and provided separately from the stop mode switch such that input operation of the stop mode switch and the running mode switch is regulated on the basis of whether the motor vehicle is in the stop state or in the running state.

Abstract: A switch actuating assembly for controlling an electric switch comprising a push-button assembly including at least one push-button, a fitting plate generally perpendicular to the push-button, an actuating rod extending from the push-button and having a free end adapted to control the switch, and a resiliently yieldable member connecting the push-button and the fitting plate together and providing a hinge axis about which the push-button can pivot from a release position to a depressed position against its own resiliency. The switch actuating assembly also comprises a panel having a mounting recess defined therein for the support of the push-button assembly.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the snap actuator is an angled magnetically permeable plate. One leg of the angled plate is attracted to a strip magnet placed on a circuitboard. This particular portion of the plate also has two spring fingers that make contact with spherical or domed contacts on the circuitboard or, in the alternative, have formed dome portions in the end of each finger for contacting flat contacts on the circuitboard so that a wiping action that is resistant to contamination results. The other leg of the angled plate serves as a lever arm to which key button pressure is applied. The angle between the plates or the edge of the strip magnet serves as a fulcrum for pivoting the plate under the influence of key pressure. When key pressure has built up sufficiently, the magnetic attraction is substantially broken and the angled plate is suddenly released, thereby breaking contact with the circuit contacts and allowing the circuit voltage to be sensed.

Abstract: A four-directional switch which can be turned on and off in four directions, which comprises a base plate having a plurality of electrodes formed thereon, a key top having an indication showing predetermined four pressing directions in an identifiable manner, a support member constituting a fulcrum between the base plate and the key top, a plurality of conductive rubbers disposed opposing to the plurality of electrodes so as to be in electrical contact with corresponding ones of the electrodes, and a sustaining member having the plurality of conductive rubbers fixed thereto and having elastic force for sustaining the conductive rubbers so as not to be in contact with the electrodes when the key top is not pressed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved membrane switch of the kind comprising a polymeric overlay, which is generally planar and containing designated switch areas thereon for manual operation of pressure. The switch is formed from several layers of conductive and nonconductive materials. Specifically, the switch includes a pair of electronic switch circuit leads disposed in noncontacting proximity. A substantially planar circuit completing layer formed to corresponded with the pair of switch circuit leads is formed from conductive material and disposed and spaced array substantially parallel to the switch circuit leads. A nonconductive spacer is disposed, in one preferred embodiment, between the electric circuit and the circuit completing layer, with the spacer having a plurality of apertures therein of a selected density sufficient to provide a selected touch pressure.

Abstract: An assembly combining a membrane switch and an electroluminescent lamp panel in which the lamp panel is attached to a circuit layer of the membrane switch.

Abstract: Electronic equipment having a key input function comprises a circuit structure having an electrical circuit including a plurality of key input contacts formed thereon, a frame arranged on the surface of the circuit structure, and key input buttons arranged one for each of the key input contacts. The frame has holes for each of the key input contacts, an insulative layer adjoining the electrical circuit and a metal layer which is in contact with the electrical circuit, which metal layer is exposed at the holes so that the key input buttons, which fit into the holes, selectively and electrically connect the key input contacts to the metal layer.

Abstract: A percussive action silent electronic keyboard provides electrical input signals for electronic music synthesis equipment. The keyboard includes a housing, and a keyboard array of a plurality of depressable pivoted playing keys adjacently arranged as a musical keyboard. Each key communicates with a pivoted silent hammer in a cam and follower arrangement. A stop is provided for stopping the momentum of each silent hammer which is caused to move about its pivot by following a camming surface of its corresponding key resulting from depressing of the key during playing action. An electrical switch provided for each key, and the switch is responsive to the playing action of the key for generating and supplying electrical signals indicative of the action to the electronic music synthesis equipment with which said keyboard may be used to generate music.

Abstract: A key switch structure comprises a first insulating cover having on one surface thereof a first conductive layer and an anisotropically electrical conductive layer printed on the first conductive layer, a second insulating cover having one surface arranged at a side opposite to the anisotropically electrical conductive layer on the first cover member, and a second conductive layer sandwiched between the anisotropically electrical conductive layer and the second insulating cover. At least, one of the first and second insulating covers being flexible. A depression force is selectively introduced from the other surface side of the flexible cover through the anisotropically electrical conductive layer so as to form a conductive path between the first and second conductive layers.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for use in a switch such as a push switch comprises a slider capable of sliding in the casing of the switch, a spring for biasing the slider in one direction, and a driving pin disposed in the direction of movement of the slider and acting to move a movable contact relative to fixed contacts. Both ends of the pin are bent such that the pin assumes a U-shaped form. One of these ends is anchored to a hooked element so as to be horizontally rotatable. The other end is received in a heart-shaped cam groove, and is held into engagement with the bottom of the groove.

Abstract: According to this invention, a plate member provided at a thin electronic apparatus reinforces same using the rigidity of the plate member, makes opposite contacts able to contact using a protrusion of the plate member and reinforces solar cells and an indicator on the apparatus. Press-deformed portions are provided such that when the press-deformed portions are each pressed and deformed against an electrically insulating molded frame member with the plate member inserted therein, data or commands are keyed in.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing gun includes a case housing a replaceable nozzle, which defines a number of liquid passageways, and a beverage selection button array. The liquid passageways are connected to flexible liquid lines. A printed circuit (PC) board, mounted within the case underlying the button array, includes pressure actuated switches actuated when the corresponding button is depressed. Holes in the rigid PC board beneath each button house light emitting diodes to light up the buttons to aid visibility. The PC board is protected from moisture using a flexible plastic film on the upper surface and a rubber boot covering the bottom and the peripheral edge of the PC board. A metal band sealingly secures the peripheral edge of the rubber boot to the PC board. The speed of the liquid is reduced as it passes through the nozzle by increasing the area of the passageway. This is achieved by either injecting the fluid into a common, enlarged passageway section or by enlarging each passageway with a venturi region.

Abstract: In compact card-like equipment having an IC chip and a power source cell, an equipment case has a multilayered structure of a pair of upper and lower sheets and a pair of upper and lower panels laminated on a frame, respectively. A flexible substrate and a paper-like cell as a primary cell are provided in the equipment case. The paper-like cell has a pair of positive and negative electrode sheets and a power generating unit interposed therebetween. A sealing member seals the peripheries of the electrode sheets of the paper-like cell. The paper-like cell is received in a receptacle space formed in the frame. The flexible substrate is received in another receptacle space formed in the frame. The electrode sheets of the paper-like cell are electrically connected to terminals of the flexible substrate by means of a film-like connecting member. This compact card-like electronic equipment such as a calculator is thin and compact in size.

Abstract: A keyboard switch apparatus for an electronic musical instrument has first and second switches each constituted by stationary and movable contacts. The stationary contacts of the first and second switches are formed adjacent to each other on a single board. The movable contacts of the first and second switches are mounted on a single flexible member arranged above the single board and are normally spaced apart from the stationary contacts at positions opposite thereto. The flexible member and the movable contacts of the first and second switches are integrally formed to have a uniform cross-sectional shape along one direction. The flexible member is deformed in response to the depression of a key. The stationary contacts corresponding to the movable contacts of the first and second switches are closed with a time difference according to a speed of key depression.

Abstract: A complete system for animating external features of a full size walk-around costume designed for the entertainment industry is disclosed. The animation system comprises two major parts: the costume itself and the programming/playback system. The complete system is lightweight and portable and gives complete freedom of motion to a person inside a walk-around costume. The costume is made to simulate life by the inclusion of motors or other devices which move the eyes, the eyelids, eyebrows, the ears, the nose, and the mouth. The mouth movement is controlled by a radio signal which may be synchronized with a prerecorded audio track. To give maximum spontaneity to expression and to reduce the time required to program costume movements, all other external features are controlled by the dancer inside the costume, using newly developed pressure sensitive finger switches which are activated by bending a finger.

Abstract: A key switch including a substrate prepared from dielectric material, and first and second electrodes respectively formed on the bottom and top surfaces of the substrate to constitute a capacitor together with the substrate. The first electrode is electrically connected to a pulse voltage signal oscillator, thereby pulsatively storing a static capacitance between the first and second electrodes. A first fixed contact electrically connected to the second electrode is provided on that portion of the surface of the substrate. A second fixed contact is positioned near the first fixed contact. The first and second fixed contacts are electrically connected or shut by a manually operable movable conductive rubber contact.

Abstract: A push and rocker action switch includes a pair of switchable contacts, either of which is switchable in response to a rocker motion of a depressible actuating member, and both of which are switchable at the same time in response to an overall push depression of the actuating member. The actuating member is positioned by an opening defined in a faceplate such that it is centrally supported by a resiliently yieldable pivot. The pivot and the switchable contacts are provided by raised portions in an elastomeric sheet material which is supported by a circuit board fastened to an underside of the faceplate.

Abstract: A finger operable electronic control apparatus includes a finger pad actuator mounted to a base so as to be movable in several directions. The position of the finger pad is sensed and utilized in the generation of electrical control signals. These control signals are used to control movement of a cursor or other image on an electronic display screen, as well as for other purposes. In one specific form, the base is generally horizontal and the finger pad is mounted by trapezoidal mounts for movement in first and second mutually perpendicular directions. In addition, the base is mounted to a supporting structure for movement in a direction which results in corresponding movement of the supported finger pad in the third direction. Movement of the finger pad in the first, second and third directions, as well as the rate of movement, may be sensed and utilized to generate electrical control signals.

Abstract: An improved multiple circuit keypad switch of the type in which a rigid key having a shorting puck on its underside is supported over exposed traces of a printed circuit card by a flexible membrane so that the puck shorts designated exposed traces to close all circuits when the key is depressed, the improvement arising from the layout of the exposed traces in which individual circuits are arranged in concentric rings and the shorting puck contains shorting elements arranged in corresponding concentric rings.

Abstract: A hand movement controller is described which permits a variety of control functions to be performed by single left or right handed operation, and is particularly suitable for handicapped persons. The controller comprises a base which is generally wedge-shaped in side elevation with a sloping top surface on which is located a movable palm support on which the hand rests. One or two rows of keys are symmetrically spaced about the front edge of the palm support for engagement by the fingers of the hand. The distance between the movable palm support and keys is adjustable so that it can support the fingers to permit them to pivot freely about the knuckles with minimal strain over a prolonged period of time. The spacing of the row or rows of keys about the palm support is designed to optimize reaction time for fast operation. In a preferred embodiment an outer row of five keys and an inner row of three keys are used and permit control of movement in three dimensions.

Abstract: A keyboard for initiating switching functions or switching signals. Synchronizing pins coupled to four key members at the mutually adjacent crossing between them cause actuation of contact sets upon depression of the keyboard surface above each synchronizing pin. Actuation of at least two contact sets are necessary to initiate a switching function corresponding to the keyboard symbol at the position of surface depression. A light may be employed to visually indicate the symbol actuated.

Abstract: A circuit pattern on a circuit board, as used in telecommunications systems and other electrical apparatus, often has contact positions for switches, such as pushbutton switches, and for other purposes. The normal copper circuit pattern is covered at the contact positions to give improved contact conditions. Carbon ink has been proposed by obtaining the necessary high level of alignment of carbon ink with the copper pattern at contact positions is difficult as such contact positions have very close members. The invention proposes contact positions having closely spaced inter-digital contact members, in which the circuit pattern extends to and stops at the peripheral region of a contact position, the contact members being of carbon ink and overlapping conductors of the circuit pattern at the peripheral region.

Abstract: An environmentally protected keyboard display and input device is provided which may be utilized in conjunction with a variety of digital control systems such as automated bank tellers or building security systems. The keyboard display and input device includes a unitary, transparent flexible keyboard having thickened portions forming keys. The keyboard forms an environmental seal including a peripheral gasket to protect an underlying, transparent, pressure sensitive switching assembly, which, in turn, overlies a corresponding visual display of alphanumeric characters which indicate the significance of the individual pressure sensitive switches and corresponding keys overlying each character. Pins are formed on the underside of the flexible keyboard, below each key, to focus and concentrate pressure exerted on each key to the corresponding pressure sensitive switch below.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch for use in a keyboard incorporated in an electronic typewriter, work processor, or the like gives a tactile feel to the finger of the operator corresponding to a clicking operation and, at the same time, produces a clicking sound. The switch comprises a casing, a switching device in the casing, a stem, and a leaf spring. This spring has an upright portion and a bent portion. The leaf spring is so mounted in the casing that when the stem is depressed, the bent portion is reciprocated. This causes the upright portion to collide with the inner surface of one side wall of the casing, thus producing a clicking sound.

Abstract: A flat panel keyboard unit comprises a first flexible member having a key symbol printed thereon, a second flexible member having electrodes aligned with the kay symbol, a pressure sensitive conductive element provided at a position corresponding to the electrodes and a base for accommodating the pressure sensitive conductive element. The flat panel keyboard is used in an electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard containing a larger size key pad label and a smaller size key pad labels; a pair of laminate sheets carry confronting conductor electrodes, each of the conductor electrodes being shaped to exactly follow the corresponding key pad label; and spacer sheet disposed between the pair of laminate sheets for electrically separating the confronting conductor electrodes. The spacer sheet is provided with a plurality of openings formed at positions corresponding to each of the conductor electrodes. The openings corresponding to the larger size key pad labels are divided into at least two sections through the use of, for example, a bridge layer extending across the opening, thereby uniforming the key actuation condition.